Tightening system for an orthopedic article

ABSTRACT

A tightening system and method for operating the same in an article for a wearer includes first and second members arranged for being connected at first ends, and separated by a distance at second ends. A tension element connects the first and second members. A tensioning mechanism is mounted on the first member and coupled to the tension element. The tensioning mechanism includes a housing and a retractable and extendable line arranged to be extended from the housing and automatically retract to the housing upon release of the line to permit one-way incremental winding of the tension element to thereby draw the first and second members closer to one another by reducing the distance therebetween.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. provisionalapplication No. 61/441,588, filed on Feb. 10, 2011, the entirety ofwhich is incorporated by reference.

This application incorporates by reference the entirety of the followingdocuments: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/713,268, filed on Feb.26, 2010, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/938,593, filed on Nov. 3,2010, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/466,597, filed on May 15,2010, and U.S. Pat. No. 7,597,675, granted on Oct. 6, 2009.

FIELD OF ART

Embodiments of this disclosure are directed to tightening systems thatincrementally adjust tension elements used alone or in combination inany variety of articles including orthopedics, prosthetics, bags, belts,sporting wear, footwear, clothing or other suitable articles.

BACKGROUND

There are numerous types of tightening systems for tensioning tensionelements in or in combination with certain articles. Despite these knownsystems, there still exists a need for improving such systems.

For example, in the field of orthopedics, it is often desirable that anorthopedic article, such as in supports, braces, devices and other formsof wearable orthopedic items, is close-fitting in order to secure to andprovide support for the wearer. As with many articles, orthopedicarticles often rely on straps looped through buckles in order to secureto the wearer. Wearers may find difficultly in tightening such straps orother tension elements, such as laces or cords, used to secure thesearticles on the body due to friction between the strap and buckle orother tension elements, the location of such straps, a lack ofmechanical advantage, or the inability to make minor adjustments in thetensioning without having to completely readjust the strap.

Some wearers may be infirm and lack the necessary strength to adequatelysecure the article onto their body. For example, patients with arthritichands may lack the dexterity to securely grasp straps or buckles, andmay also be unable to sufficiently pull the strap through buckles enoughto firmly retain the article on the wearer. Various forms of tighteningsystems, for example hook and loop, buckles, and lacing, have been usedto facilitate the closure and retention of known articles on the wearer.However, many of these known systems fail to permit adequate easyadjustment or the ability to slightly adjust the tightening of thearticle which leads to insufficient or excessive compression on thewearer.

In the example of an article in the form of a lumbar support, some knownsystems include the pulling of laces through a series of guide elements,for example pulleys, posts, rings or eyelets, so as to create amechanical advantage. Yet many of these known systems suffer from thedrawback of friction in the guide elements when the tensioning elementsare adjusted. These systems are often limited in their mechanicaladvantage due to spacing and size constraints of the lumbar supportitself.

With these known tightening systems in lumbar supports, multiple tensionelements may be employed or require a relatively long distance to pull.This results in a significantly elongate tension element being wrappedabout the torso of the wearer and affixed to the lumbar support. Forthose having reduced mobility or poor strength, such long travelrequired to properly tension the lumbar support may prove cumbersome.This also may result in the undesirable appearance of multiple tensionelements being located on the surface of the lumbar support, which mayalso catch on items thereby causing safety concerns for the wearer ofthe support.

Although discussed in connection with orthopedic articles, many of theaforementioned issues with tightening systems may exist in applicationsoutside of orthopedics as well, including but not limited to sportingwear, backpacks, belts, footwear, clothing or other suitable articles.

SUMMARY

The shortcomings in the prior art are overcome by the various tensioningsystem embodiments described herein. In accordance with this disclosure,the tightening system does not require the tension element to be pulledsignificantly far from a closure device, and can be selectively locatedabout the surface of an article to provide an optimal location for thewearer. The embodiments of the tightening system can increase themechanical advantage of a closure device, thereby further making iteasier for a wearer to pull the tension element. Alternatively, thetightening systems may be employed without a closure device, of typesknown in the prior art and discussed herein. Moreover, the tighteningsystem has a simple handle that can be selectively pulled in eithershort or long lengths according to the strength of the wearer in orderto tighten the tightening system, with the option of releasing thehandle at any point once the optimal tension is achieved which avoidsthe need from much manual dexterity. Additional means may be provided tofinely adjust the tension element.

In accordance with one embodiment, the tightening system is for anarticle for a wearer, which may include any number of applicationsincluding orthopedics, sporting wear, footwear, clothing or othersuitable articles. The tightening system includes a first memberdefining first and second ends, and a second member defining first andsecond ends. The first ends of the first and second members are spacedapart by a distance. A closure device connects the first and secondmembers and includes a tension element. A tensioning mechanism ismounted on the first member and coupled to the closure device. Thetensioning mechanism includes a housing and a retractable device havinga retractable and extendable line arranged to be extended from thehousing and automatically retracting to the housing upon release of theline to permit one-way incremental winding of the tension element tothereby draw the first and second members closer to one another byreducing the distance therebetween.

According to one variation, the retractable device includes a springbiased rotatable spool upon which the line is wound, a first rotatablespool upon which the line is wound, and a second rotatable spool uponwhich the tension element is wound. The first and second spools arerotatable in opposing directions. The retractable device may also have arelease mechanism permitting unwinding of the tension element. A dosagemeter may be connected to the tensioning mechanism, and indicate atension level in the closure device.

In a variation, the tensioning mechanism may include a first gear devicehaving a spring biased first spool secured to a second end of the line,and a first gear that engages the first spool and is rotatable therewithabout a first axis. The first spool is lockingly rotatable with thefirst gear in a first rotational direction, and the first spool isfreely rotatable relative to the first gear in a second rotationaldirection.

The tensioning mechanism may further include a second gear device havinga second spool secured to a second gear and which are rotatable togetherabout a second axis. The second gear device engages the first geardevice in the first rotatable direction, and the first and second gearsof the respective devices remain stationary when the first spool rotatesin the second rotational direction. The tensioning mechanism furtherincludes a release mechanism connected to the first gear device and isarranged to disengage the first gear device from the second gear device3.

The tensioning mechanism preferably includes a handle secured to a firstend of the line. The handle may be used to prevent the first end of theline from being fully retracted into the housing. Alternatively, atleast part of the handle may be received by the housing or may attach tothe housing.

The tensioning mechanism is selectively mountable over an outer surfaceof the first member at a plurality of locations. Another tensioningmechanism may be mounted onto the second member likewise at a pluralityof locations.

The tightening system may have an intermediate member upon which thefirst end of at least one of the first and second members slides. Thefirst and second members may be elongate and flexible, and releasablysecure to one another at their second ends to define a belt or a strap.

In accordance with another embodiment, the tightening system has arotary tensioning unit connected to the tensioning mechanism and permitsfine tuning in tension of the tensioning mechanism in supplement to thatobtained by pulling the handle and the line. The rotary tensioning unitis selectively engageable with the tensioning mechanism so as to beoperative only when it is desired to supplement the tensioning obtainedby the tensioning mechanism itself. The rotary tensioning unit may bespring loaded so as to only require small turning actions to provideadditional tension in the tension element, rather than long turns of therotary tensioning unit.

According to another embodiment for a tightening system, the tighteningsystem includes a first member defining first and second ends, and asecond member defining first and second ends. The first ends of thefirst and second members are spaced apart by a distance. A closuredevice connects the first and second members and includes a tensionelement. A rotary tightening device is mounted on the first member andengages the tension element. The rotary tightening device is arranged topermit one-way incremental winding of the tension element to therebydraw the first and second members closer to one another by reducing thedistance.

The embodiment may include a handle extending from the rotary tighteningdevice and coupled to the at least one tension element. The rotarytightening device is located between the handle and the first end of thefirst member. The handle is arranged to pull the at least one tensionelement so as to wind the tension element about the rotary tighteningdevice, which tightens the tension element without adjusting the tensionin the tension element between the handle and the rotary tighteningdevice. The handle may be selectively positionable along an outersurface of the first member and relative to the rotary tensioningdevice.

In a method for tightening an article, the article has a first memberdefining first and second ends, a second member defining first andsecond ends such that the first ends of the first and second members arespaced apart by a distance, a closure device including a tension elementand connecting the first and second members, and a tensioning mechanismmounted on the first member and coupled to the closure device. Thetensioning mechanism includes a retractable and extendable line. Themethod includes the steps of: securing the first and second members attheir second ends; pulling the line away from the housing toincrementally tighten the tension element and draw the first and secondmembers closer to one another by reducing the distance; and releasingthe line so as to retract to the housing without adjusting tension inthe tension element. The method may further include the step ofreleasing tension in the tension element by releasing the tensioningmechanism from the tension element.

The numerous other advantages, features and functions of embodiments ofthe tightening system will become readily apparent and better understoodin view of the following description and accompanying drawings. Thefollowing description is not intended to limit the scope of thetightening system, but instead merely provides exemplary embodiments forease of understanding.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a tightening system in an orthopedicarticle defining a lumbar support.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing the operation of the tensioningmechanism on the lumbar support according to FIG. 2.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing a portion of the dosage meterdepicted in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a second embodiment of a tightening systemin an orthopedic article of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a third embodiment of a tightening systemin an orthopedic article of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a third embodiment of a tightening systemin an orthopedic article of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a plan view showing an embodiment of a tensioning mechanism.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing the tensioning mechanism of FIG. 7with a line drawn away therefrom.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing the tensioning mechanism of FIG. 7with retraction of the line.

FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing the tensioning mechanism of FIG. 7with disengagement of the tension element.

FIG. 11 is a schematic view showing a variation of the embodiment ofFIG. 7 with a rotary tightening device.

FIG. 12 is a schematic view showing another embodiment of a tensioningmechanism with a rotary tightening device connecting to a line with ahandle.

FIG. 13 is a sectional side view showing another embodiment of atensioning mechanism.

FIG. 14 is a sectional side view showing another embodiment of atensioning mechanism.

FIG. 15 is a sectional side view showing another embodiment of atensioning mechanism.

In the various figures, similar elements are provided with similarreference numbers. It should be noted that the drawing figures are notnecessarily drawn to scale, or proportion, but instead are drawn toprovide a better understanding of the components thereof, and are notintended to be limiting in scope, but rather provide exemplaryillustrations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

While the tightening systems described herein may be used in a varietyof articles, including orthopedics, prosthetics, harnesses, packs,sporting wear, footwear, clothing or other suitable articles, FIG. 1depicts the tightening system in an orthopedic article 10. The exemplaryorthopedic article is a lumbar support of a type more specificallydescribed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/713,268.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the lumbar support 10 includes anintermediate member 70, such as a plate, first and second members 12,14, in the exemplary form of elongate belt segments combining to form abelt, having first end portions 13, 15, and second end portions 17, 19.The first end portions 13, 15 are spaced apart by a variable distance72, and the second end portions 17, 19 are securable to one another soas to form a belt. A closure device 20 couples the first end portions ofthe first and second members to the intermediate member 70. The closuredevice 20 is slidably mounted to the intermediate member 70 and arrangedto move the first and second members 12, 14 relative to the intermediatemember 70 between first and second linear directions, and adjust thelength of the distance 72.

In a preferred embodiment, the closure device 20 includes a series ofpulleys or other friction reducing means such as the the type describedin U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/713,268. The closure device 20preferably has a mechanical advantage of a four-to-one ratio, but canalso be provided in variations of this preferred ratio.

The closure device 20 includes first and second tension elements 16, 18having second ends connected to the series of pulleys. The first andsecond tension elements 16, 18 are arranged to move the first and secondmembers 12, 14 relative to the intermediate member 70. The tensionelements may be formed from any type of line, cord, strap, rope, string,wire, cable or other suitable element used to allow the user to applytension.

A tensioning mechanism 22, 24 is mounted on the first and second members12, 14, and connects to the closure device 20. The tensioning mechanism22, 24 includes a housing 76 and a retractable device having aretractable and extendable line 26, 28.

As shown in FIG. 2, the line 28 is arranged to be extended from thehousing 76 and automatically retracted to the housing 76 upon release ofthe line 28 to permit one-way incremental winding of the tension element18 to thereby draw the first and second members 12, 14 closer to oneanother by reducing the distance 72.

The line may be formed from any type of strap, cord, rope, string, wire,cable or other suitable element used to allow the user to apply tensionand retract into the housing. The line is capable of being drawn fromthe housing at a variety angles suitable to the wearer of the lumbarsupport, as shown in FIG. 2 and enabling tensioning of the tensionelement.

It will be noted that it is not necessary to provide two tensioningmechanisms, but that a single tensioning mechanism and tension elementmay be employed for the lumbar support. For example, the closure devicemay have only a single tension element as extending from the closuredevice for the lumbar support, and in turn a single tensioning mechanismis provided in combination with the tension element. On the other hand,the closure device may include two tension elements extending from oneside of the closure device and corresponding to the first member, and asingle tension element extends from the closure device on the side ofthe second member. Each tension element may be provided with onetensioning mechanism, or only the second member may be provided with atensioning mechanism.

The tensioning mechanism 22, 24 preferably includes a handle 30, 32secured to a first end of the line 26, 28. The handle 30, 32 is arrangedto prevent the first end of the line from being retracted into thehousing 76. The handle may selectively affix to the first and secondmembers, or may freely extend from the tensioning mechanism when notused to tension the closure device.

The tensioning mechanism 22, 24 is preferably selectively mountable overan outer surface of the first and second members at a plurality oflocations. For example, the handle may be locked relative to thetensioning mechanism and detached from the first member. The wearerpulls the handle thereby pulling the tension element and adjusting theclosure device. Once a desired or near desired tension level is obtain,the wearer can mount the tensioning mechanism to the first member. Thetensioning mechanism may have suitable hook and loop fastener elementsthat correspond to the surface of the first member so as to firmly affixthe tensioning mechanism thereto. Of course, alternative fastening meansmay be employed to selectively affix the tensioning mechanism to thefirst member at a plurality of locations.

Alternatively, the tensioning mechanism may be permanently mounted onthe first member, with an optimal location selected that permits easyaccess to the tensioning mechanism for adjustment of the lumbar support.In this instance, the adjustment is obtained solely from actuation ofthe tensioning mechanism which in turn adjusts the tension elements.

As depicted in the exemplary view of FIG. 2, the handle 32 may bemountable over the member 14 and the line 28 may have a specified,minimum length extending outwardly from the tensioning mechanism 24. Asthe handle 32 and line 28 are pulled outwardly relative to thetensioning mechanism 24, a portion of the tension element 18 is wound orretained within the tensioning mechanism 24. The handle can beappropriately sized to allow for a variety of hand sizes as well aslevels of strength, as well as it can be made to be flexible or rigid.The handle in combination with the tensioning mechanism avoids the needfor small devices that may have small dials or disks that are difficultto grasp and require some coordination and strength. This constructionaffords a system that allows for a variety of users to adjust tensionsettings by providing a simple and easy manner to do so.

After pulling the line 28 a certain distance up to its maximum lengthpermitted by the line and subsequently releasing the handle 32, thetensioning mechanism 24 retracts the line 28 a specified distance intothe closure device 24 so that the length of the line 28 extendingoutwardly from the housing returns to a minimum length while maintainingthe portion of the tension element 18 wound in place in the tensioningmechanism 24.

If it is desired to additionally tension the tension element 18, thewearer may repeat the operation by pulling and retracting the line 28repeatedly to incrementally tension and achieve the appropriate tensionin the tension element 18, and thus the lumbar support over the torso ofthe wearer.

The tensioning mechanism 24 may include a dosage meter 34 having anindication feature, such as a scale 38 with indicia 40 that shows thetension in the tension element. An example of this could be achieved byproviding a spring with a known force through the distance travelled toshow on the scale the tension in the tension element. A release button36 may be used to selectively and relieve the tension in the tensionelement maintained by the tensioning mechanism.

While a portion of the line is shown as extending away from the housing,it will be noted that the line may be fully retracted into thetensioning mechanism, such that there is no exposed length of the linewhen it is retracted, whereas only the handle extends from thetensioning mechanism. It follows that when tensioning the line, thehandle is withdrawn from the tensioning mechanism and a portion of theline is exposed, but when the handle is released, the exposed length ofthe line is fully retracted into the tensioning mechanism.

This embodiment is particularly advantageous in that it provides aratcheting system that can take advantage of a mechanical advantage inpulling the tension elements and tightening the same. Indeed, while theclosure device itself has a mechanical advantage, the overall mechanicaladvantage of the tightening system may be further increased by thetensioning mechanism which itself may possess its own mechanicaladvantage.

The tightening system as a whole is advantageous in that it allows for avariety of wearer sizes since the line retracts; the tension element canbe set to a specific length, and can accommodate different wearer sizes.For example, the minimum length of the line can be selected so that itcould be used both on individuals with small girth or those with largegirth; the length would be the same. Also, by reducing the minimumlength of the tension element, there is less risk of exposure of thetension element and hence it catching on any objects.

FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment 42 of the tightening system in alumbar support. According to this embodiment, a rotary tightening device50, 52 is provided in combination with the tensioning mechanism 46, 48.The rotary tightening device arranged to permit one-way incrementalwinding of the tension element 16, 18 to thereby draw the first andsecond members 12, 14 closer to one another by reducing the distance 72between the first and second members in a finer manner than with thetensioning mechanism 46, 48. The rotary tightening device may beselectively engaged or disengaged with the tensioning mechanism by abypass switch 64, 66.

FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment 54 of the tightening system in alumbar support. In this embodiment, a rotary tightening device 50, 52 isprovided in combination with the tension element 16, 18 so as toincrementally tension the tension element 16, 18. A bypass switch 64, 66is provided to permit engagement of the tension element with the handlecarrying the line 26, 28 that allows for coarser adjustment of theclosure device 20 relative to the adjustment provided by the rotarytightening device 50, 52. In this embodiment, there is no retractabledevice, and therefore the handle can be pulled away from a base unit 56,58 that carry the rotary tightening device 50, 52 and can be engagedwith the rotary tightening device 50, 52 by the bypass switch 64, 66.

FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment 74 of a tightening system in alumbar support. According to this embodiment, a base unit 60, 62 isadjustably mounted on the member 12, 14, and carries a rotary tighteningdevice 50, 52. There is preferably no tensioning mechanism or lineextending therefrom. Tightening of the tension element is eitherobtained by pulling the base unit 60, 62 when detached from the member12, 14 away from the closure device, affixing the base unit 56, 58 tothe outer surface 44 of the member 12, 14, and then if desired, finelyadjusting the rotary tightening device 50, 52 to further tension thetension element.

The rotary tightening device may be arranged for only one-wayincremental adjustment in a first rotational direction and release topermit free movement in a second rotational direction, or two-wayincremental adjustment in first and second directions. The rotarytightening device may include a rotary tensioning device described inU.S. application Ser. No. 12/466,597, or a commercial example asproduced by Boa Technology, Inc. of Steamboat Springs, Colo., underexemplary product names including HIGH POWER REEL, Series 30, MID POWERREEL M1, and LOW POWER REEL L3.

In each of the embodiments described herein, the tightening mechanism iseither formed to be flexible or semi-rigid to accommodate being worn onthe body of the wearer through the article upon which it is placed.Alternatively or in addition, the tightening mechanism may be sizedappropriately small so that its size and any rigidity can likewiseaccommodate the wearer.

In observing FIGS. 7-10, an embodiment of the tensioning mechanism 22has a retractable device including a rotatable first spool 82 biased bya spring 84, such as a helical coil spring, upon which the line 26 iswound, and a first gear 86 associated with the spool and rotatable withthe spool about a pin 80 located along a common axis. According to thisembodiment, the spool 82 defines a plurality of flexible prongs 83 thatengage a plurality of inner teeth 87 formed on an inner ring of the gear86. The prongs 83 permit movement of the spool 82 in a first rotatingdirection relative to the gear 86 so as to rotate freely relative to thegear 86, and lock with the inner teeth 87 in a second rotating directionso as to rotate with the gear 86 in such direction.

A second rotatable spool 90 is provided upon which the tension element16 is wound, and which is associated with a gear 92 which is rotatablewith the spool 90 about a common axis 88. The first and second gears 86,92 mesh with one another and are rotatable in opposing directions as theline 30 is withdrawn from the housing 76.

The housing defines slots 77, 89 that permit ingress and egress of theline and the tension element. A release mechanism 78 is shown aspull-out switch having flanges which can be pressed together and pulledoutwardly from the housing 76 to allow for disengagement of the firstgear 86 from the second gear 92. A shaft 79 of the release mechanism 78is connected to the pin 80 which is secured to the first gear 86 andspool 82, and the shaft 79 can be pulled through opening 85 defined bythe housing 76.

As schematically shown in FIG. 8, the first and second gears 86, 92engage with one another as the line 26 is pulled at the handle 30 fromthe housing. In doing so, the line 26 is unwound from the first spool82, and the tension element 16 is wound about the second spool 90.

Turning to FIG. 9 once the wearer either decides that additionaltensioning is required or has reached a desire level, the handle 30 isreleased which then retracts to the housing 76 under the influence ofthe spring 84. In doing so, the line 26 is wound about the first spool82, yet neither the first gear 86 nor the second gear 92 rotate, therebylocking the tension element 16 when the handle 30 was released.

As shown in FIG. 10, when it is desired to release tension in thetension element 16, the wearer may pull the switch 78 outwardly from thehousing 76 so as to disengage the first gear 86 from the second gear 92,and thereby allow the tension element 16 to relieve its tension that wasobtained by pulling the line 26 in the step of FIG. 8.

In a variation of the tightening system, FIG. 11 generally shows thetensioning mechanism 46 corresponding to the embodiment of FIG. 4,wherein a rotary tightening device 50 may be associated with the secondgear 92 so as to provide incremental fine adjustment of the tensionelement 16 which can be achieved by turning the rotary tightening device50. In adjusting the tension element 16 by the rotary tightening device46, the first spool 82 can be disengaged from the first gear 86 so thefirst and second gears 86, 92 can rotate freely without engagement ofthe first spool 82. Appropriate means, such as the switch 64, may beemployed to disengage the first spool 82 from the first gear 86 such asby providing a button which causes the first spool 82 to disengage fromthe first gear 86.

In another variation of a tightening system, FIG. 12 generally shows thetensioning mechanism corresponding to the embodiment of FIG. 5, whereina rotary tensioning mechanism 50 is used to finely adjust the tensionelement 16, and the line 26 can be pulled from the housing 76 tolikewise tension the tension element 16.

FIG. 13 illustrates another embodiment of a tensioning mechanism 131. Inthis embodiment, the tensioning mechanism 131 has a housing 134 mountedon a base unit 136. An upper bobbin 138 is spring biased by a coilspring 142, and is used to retractably wind the line 128 connected tothe handle 132. The tension element 118 winds about a lower bobbin 146that engages a one-way rocker arm 144 and a one-way ratchet 148 locatedabout a shaft 150. A release button 140 may be provided to release theupper bobbing 138 from the lower bobbin 146.

The tensioning mechanism 131 operates in the same manner as described inconnection to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, in that pulling the line 128from the tensioning mechanism 131 incrementally draws the tensionelement 118 into the tensioning mechanism 131 by winding it about thelower bobbin 146.

FIG. 14 shows another embodiment wherein the tensioning mechanism 160 isa double acting retractable ratchet. According to this embodiment, thetensioning mechanism 160 winds two tension elements 118, 162 by a singlepull of the line 128. In the example of the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, thedouble acting tensioning mechanism 160 may replace the first and secondtensioning mechanisms 22, 24 so that a single tensioning mechanismregulates the tension in both the tension elements 16, 18. Thistensioning mechanism, for example, may be centrally located on anarticle so as to single handedly regulate two tension elements.

FIG. 15 depicts another embodiment wherein the tensioning mechanism 170is a double acting retractable ratchet having additional mechanicaladvantage and leverage. Specifically, the embodiment includes first andsecond tension elements 172, 174 that are wound about a reduction gearset 176. This embodiment may serve a similar purpose to the embodimentdescribed in connection with FIG. 14.

While the foregoing embodiments have been described and shown, it isunderstood that alternatives and modifications of these embodiments,such as those suggested by others, may be made to fall within the scopeof the invention. Moreover, any of the principles described herein maybe extended to any other orthopedic devices or other types of articlesdevices requiring similar functions of those structural elementsdescribed herein.

1. A tightening system in an article for a wearer, comprising: a firstmember defining first and second ends; a second member defining firstand second ends, the first ends of the first and second members beingspaced apart by a distance; at least one tension element connecting thefirst and second members; a tensioning mechanism mounted on the firstmember and coupled to the at least one tension element, the tensioningmechanism including a housing and a retractable and extendable linearranged to be extended from the housing and automatically retract tothe housing upon release of the line to permit one-way incrementalwinding of the at least one tension element to thereby draw the firstand second members closer to one another by reducing said distance. 2.The tightening system according to claim 1, wherein the tensioningmechanism has a retractable device including a spring biased rotatablespool upon which the line is wound.
 3. The tightening system accordingto claim 1, wherein the tensioning mechanism has a retractable deviceincluding a first rotatable spool upon which the line is wound, and asecond rotatable spool upon which the at least one tension element iswound, the first and second spools rotatable in opposing directions. 4.The tightening system according to claim 1, wherein the tensioningmechanism has a retractable device including a release mechanismpermitting unwinding of the at least one tension element.
 5. Thetightening system according to claim 1, further comprising a handlesecured to a first end of the line.
 6. The tightening system accordingto claim 1, further comprising a dosage meter connected to thetensioning mechanism, the dosage meter indicating a tension level in theat least one tension element.
 7. The tightening system according toclaim 1, wherein the tensioning mechanism is selectively mountable overan outer surface of the first member at a plurality of locations.
 8. Thetightening system according to claim 1, further comprising a rotarytensioning device connected to the tensioning mechanism and permittingfine-tuning in tension the at least one tension element.
 9. Thetightening system according to claim 8, wherein the rotary tensioningdevice is selectively engageable with the tensioning mechanism.
 10. Thetightening system according to claim 1, wherein the tensioning mechanismincludes a first gear device having a first gear and a spring biasedfirst spool secured to a second end of the line and engaging the firstgear and rotatable therewith about a first axis, the first spool beinglockingly rotatable with the first gear in a first rotational direction,and the first spool being freely rotatable relative to the first gear ina second rotational direction.
 11. The tightening system according toclaim 10, wherein the tensioning mechanism further includes a secondgear device having a second spool secured to a second gear and rotatabletherewith about a second axis, the second gear engaging the first gearin the first rotatable direction, the first and second gears remainingstationary when the first spool rotates in the second rotationaldirection.
 12. The tightening system according to claim 11, wherein thetensioning mechanism further includes a release mechanism connected tothe first gear device and arranged to disengage the first gear devicefrom the second gear device.
 13. The tightening system according toclaim 1, further comprising an intermediate member upon which the firstend of at least one of the first and second members slides.
 14. Thetightening system according to claim 1, wherein the first and secondmembers are elongate and flexible.
 15. The tightening system accordingto claim 14, wherein the first and second members releasably secure toone another at their second ends to define a belt.
 16. A method fortightening an article about a wearer, the article having a first memberdefining first and second ends, a second member defining first andsecond ends such that the first ends of the first and second members arespaced apart by a distance, at least one tension element connecting thefirst and second members, and a tensioning mechanism mounted on thefirst member and coupled to the at least one tension element, thetensioning mechanism including a retractable and extendable line, themethod comprising the steps of: securing the first and second members attheir second ends; pulling the line away from the housing toincrementally tighten the at least one tension element and draw thefirst and second members closer to one another by reducing saiddistance; and releasing the line so as to retract to the housing withoutadjusting tension in the at least one tension element.
 17. The methodaccording to claim 16, further comprising the step of releasing tensionin the at least one tension element by selecting the tensioningmechanism to release tension from the at least one tension element. 18.A tightening system in an article for a wearer, comprising: a firstmember having first and second ends; a second member having first andsecond ends, the first ends of the first and second members being spacedapart by a distance; at least one tension element connecting the firstand second members; and a rotary tightening device mounted on the firstmember and engaging the at least one tension element, the rotarytightening device arranged to permit one-way incremental winding of theat least one tension element to thereby draw the first and secondmembers closer to one another by reducing said distance.
 19. Thetightening system according to claim 18, further comprising a handleextending from the rotary tightening device and coupled to the at leastone tension element, the rotary tightening device located between thehandle and the first end of the first member, the handle arranged topull the at least one tension element so as to wind the at least onetension element about the rotary tightening device, the rotarytightening device arranged to tighten the tension in the at least onetension element without adjusting the tension in the at least onetension element between the handle and the rotary tightening device. 20.The tightening system according to claim 19, wherein the handle isselectively positionable along an outer surface of the first member andrelative to the rotary tensioning device.
 21. A tightening systemconnected to at least one tension element connecting first and secondmembers, the retractable tightening system arranged for drawing thefirst and second members closer to one another by reducing a distanceformed between the first and second members, the tightening systemcomprising: a tensioning mechanism connected to the first member andcoupled to the at least one tension element, the tensioning mechanismincluding a housing and a retractable device having a retractable andextendable line arranged to be extended from the housing andautomatically retract to the housing upon release of the line to permitone-way incremental winding of the at least one tension element; whereinthe retractable device includes a release mechanism permitting unwindingof the at least one tension element from the tensioning mechanism. 22.The tightening system according to claim 21, further comprising a handlesecured to a first end of the line, the handle preventing the first endof the line from being retracted into the housing.